Labelexpo Europe to honour label industry leaders

Labels & Labeling editor Chelsea McDougall explained the rationale behind the new awards programme. "After decades of chronicling industry advancements through our publication, we recognised the need for a truly global platform to honour excellence across all sectors of label production." The awards process began with the publication's editorial team compiling a shortlist based on their year-round coverage of technological breakthroughs and sustainable initiatives. This was then evaluated by an international judging panel featuring industry leaders, including TLMI president Mark Glendenning and Finat chair Philippe Voet. 

In the innovation category, sponsored by Gallus/Heidelberg, the finalists represent cutting-edge technological developments. Esko earned a nomination for its Print Clone AI colour matching system that reduces waste in colour calibration, while LemuGroup was recognised for automating finishing processes. Press manufacturer Mark Andy secured a spot for its high-speed digital hybrid press technology. 

The sustainability award, supported by Durst Group, highlights environmental progress with three distinct approaches. Bio4life developed a fully home-compostable pressure-sensitive adhesive, while Elkem created silicone coatings using recycled materials. Polish converter Masterpress impressed judges with its work developing magnetisable inks that improve shrink sleeve recyclability. 

Converter of the Year nominees demonstrate operational excellence across multiple criteria. Masterpress appears again in this category alongside UK-based OPM Group and Germany's Schreiner MedPharm. Judges evaluated factors including workforce development programmes, charitable initiatives and product innovation alongside business performance. 

Awards chairman Andy Thomas-Emans, noting the quality of entries, said, "What stood out was how nominees addressed real industry challenges — whether through material science, process innovation or business model transformation." The ceremony forms part of Festa Barcelona, an opening night celebration that Labelexpo's EMEA director Andrew Galloway describes as "a fusion of professional recognition and Catalan hospitality". 

The awards coincide with Labelexpo Europe's relocation to Barcelona's Fira Gran Via venue, which will feature 600 exhibitors across eight halls. Organisers expect over 30,000 visitors from 140 countries. Early bird registration for the 16-19 September event is available at Euro 75 until 1 September, rising to Euro 95 thereafter.

With eight exhibition halls and an expanded conference programme, the 2025 edition marks a new chapter for Europe's premier label industry gathering.